No matter the season, homes require HVAC equipment. And it is the contractors of this industry who do what they can to make homes comfortable and livable. Their jobs are made simpler with innovations in equipment from manufacturers. In honor of these inventions, The NEWS is honoring three manufacturers in the ninth annual Dealer Design Awards’ HVAC Residential Equipment category.

High efficiency is a high priority on everyone’s list, especially homeowners, who can save a lot of energy with high-efficiency HVAC equipment. The winners of The NEWS’ ninth annual Dealer Design Awards in the HVAC High-Efficiency Residential Equipment category placed high on the judges’ list for ease of installation and service and maintenance, too. 

Bringing homeowners increased comfort, higher efficiency, and greater control, the Residential Controls (including zoning) category of The NEWS’ ninth annual Dealer Design Awards is full of products pushing home control to new heights.

Source: Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). Industry figures are estimates that are derived from the best available figures supplied by a sample of AHRI member companies.

Featuring efficiencies up to 19 SEER, the line of two-stage Tempstar® SmartComfort® TXT+ air conditioners and heat pumps is available in two model lines in 2- through 5-ton cooling capacities. A Copeland Scroll® Ultratech® compressor provides quiet operation.

Added to the Coleman® LX and Comforteer™ series of mid-efficiency 14.5 SEER air conditioners and heat pumps are 1.5-ton condensing units. To boost energy efficiency and offer a compact footprint, both 1.5-ton models include a coil constructed of aluminum microchannel tubing and enhanced aluminum fins.

Many in the industry are still lamenting the loss of the federal tax credits for higher efficiency HVAC systems; however, most manufacturers believe that customers remain willing to pay a premium for better equipment.

Consumers often seek out products that are considered to be the best or most efficient in their class. For this reason, many only consider highly fuel-efficient cars, Energy Star labeled refrigerators, or televisions rated as top performers in consumer magazines. This principle may work with other types of products, but will it work when it comes to the purchase of a high-efficiency heating and/or cooling system?

Customers who purchase high-end heating and cooling equipment want energy savings, as well as total comfort, which is why most contractors offer a wide range of accessories to enhance system performance.

“Contractors beware! If you are at all like me, you have been anticipating that the new residential construction market is just a year or so away from rebounding to previous heights.” Is it true, or is there more to this story?